Statement on behalf of the Nordic Baltic countries (NB8) delivered by H.E. Mr Magnus Hellgren, Permanent Representative of Sweden to the UN, at the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva on 2 July 2026.
Mr. President,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Nordic-Baltic countries.
We thank the Special Rapporteur for both reports.
As previously stated, we believe that the term “combating Nazism’’ should not be politicized by States as a pretext for ulterior motives. Such misuse undermines the genuine fight against this heinous ideology, and we reject any false narratives in this regard.
Regarding your second report, we share the concern that racism continue to permeate sporting environments at all levels—from grassroots participation to elite competition.
Sport should be a vehicle for inclusion, equality and mutual respect. Yet, we continue to witness discriminatory abuse against athletes, officials, and fans, both on and off the field, including in digital spaces. This harms individuals and undermine the unifying potential of sport.
The Nordic-Baltic countries strongly support a zero-tolerance approach to racism in sport. This requires robust legal frameworks, effective reporting and accountability mechanisms, and meaningful sanctions. Equally important are preventive measures, including education, awareness-raising, and the promotion of diversity in leadership within sports organizations.
Particular attention should be paid to protecting children and young athletes, who may be especially vulnerable to discrimination and exclusion.
Special Rapporteur, how can consistent standards be ensured across sporting bodies, and how can best practices be scaled globally?
